Microsoft has been on the hunt for ways to differentiate the Xbox One from Sony’s Playstation 4, and exclusive games are one of the best ways to do that. The company surprised everyone at its Gamescom 2014 media briefing (via Twitch ) on Tuesday by revealing that the latest title in one of the traditional multi-platform franchises is now an Xbox exclusive – Rise of Tomb Raider .
Rise of The Tomb Raider was first revealed during E3 back in June. Most expected the game to be released on the PS4, Xbox One and PC. That changed when Microsoft revealed that it is coming exclusively to the Xbox One in the holiday 2015 release window.
There were immediate assumptions that Rise of the Tomb Raider would be a timed-exclusive for the Xbox and would be released to the other platforms at a later date. That’s not the case, according to Crystal Dynamics Head of Studios Darrell Gallagher in this open letter posted on the Tomb Raider tumblr .
“Dear Tomb Raider Community,
As you may have seen, we’ve just announced that Rise of the Tomb Raider, coming Holiday 2015, is exclusively on Xbox. We consider all of you to be the lifeblood of Tomb Raider and the work we do at Crystal. I’d like to give you some insight into this decision, and why we feel this is the very best thing for the Tomb Raider sequel we’re creating at the studio.
Tomb Raider in 2013 was a success due in large part to your continued support. Our goal has always been to deliver something truly special with Rise of the Tomb Raider. Today’s announcement with Microsoft is one step to help us put Tomb Raider on top of action adventure gaming. Our friends at Microsoft have always seen huge potential in Tomb Raider and have believed in our vision since our first unveil with them on their stage at E3 2011. We know they will get behind this game more than any support we have had from them in the past – we believe this will be a step to really forging the Tomb Raider brand as one of the biggest in gaming, with the help, belief and backing of a major partner like Microsoft.
This doesn’t mean that we’re walking away from our fans who only play on PlayStation or on PC. Those are great systems, with great partners, and amazing communities. We have Lara Croft and the Temple of Osiris coming to those platforms this December, and Tomb Raider: The Definitive Edition is available on PS4.
We know that there are probably many more questions and concerns. Please do send them to us, and we’ll answer to the best of our ability. Meanwhile we’re going all out to try and make something truly special – the most ambitious Tomb Raider game ever built.”
Naturally, the reaction from gamers who previously didn’t plan on getting Xbox One was not positive.
@tombraider I hope you guys are kidding. Fans around the world are PISSED!
— Patrick K. (@JumPeRJumPzZ) August 12, 2014
@tombraider This is not cool.
— PSGamer.co.uk (@PS_GamerUK) August 12, 2014
@tombraider I think you consider the money Microsoft gave you the lifeblood, not the fans.
— Fabien (@VofEscaflowne) August 12, 2014
@tombraider you just screwed over the backbone of your fan base!! Bad move!!!
— CJ (@podwarriocj) August 12, 2014
What do you think of this move to make Rise of the Tomb Raider an Xbox One exclusive? Sound off in the comments below.
[Image via Xbox ]